Apple caught flak for offering its "low-cost" iPhone 5C at nearly the same price as the one it replaces would have cost anyway. Not to mention that the price of the 5C topping $700 unsubsidized in markets like China seriously crimps the device's appeal in major regions of untapped demand.

But a promotion in Sprint stores takes the idea of a low-cost iPhone 5C and does one better: It makes it no cost.

The carrier, a distant third to Verizon and AT&T by number of subscribers, will be giving up to $100 discounts on any phone, including 16GB iPhone 5Cs on preorder now priced at $0 on its online store, to people who bring their number to Sprint from a rival. "Switch to Sprint, keep your number and save on any phone -- only for a limited time, and only from Sprint," the deal's language reads. It requires a new two-year contract activation and has restrictions. The offer lasts until October 10 while "supplies last," and excludes taxes, service charges, and an activation fee.

The deal applies to a wide swath of the phones Sprint sells, but the pricing at $100 and timing right before the arrival of the iPhone 5C are conveniently well matched. The front page of Sprint's Web site has the iPhone 5C and the $100 discount right next to each other.

Screenshot by Joan E. Solsman/CNET

Representatives from Sprint didn't immediately respond to a message asking whether the discount was timed to induce 5C customers specifically.

Apple revealed the 5C alongside a higher-end update to its flagship smartphone, the iPhone 5S, last week ahead of a retail launch on Friday. The 16GB model of 5C retails for $99 with a two-year service contract in the US, and $549 without a subsidy.

The Sprint deal trumps other offers from retailers on the device. Walmart last week said it would sell the 5C for $20 off and the iPhone 5S for $10 off the full price with the standard two-year contract with a carrier of your choice.

About the author

Joan E. Solsman is a senior writer for CNET focused on digital media. She previously wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and the Wall Street Journal. She bikes to get almost everywhere in New York City and has been doored only once.
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